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TUKTOYAKTUK - For Sarah Krengnektak, the effect of the residential school system on her community has been like a pebble being dropped in a pond.

"The effects of trauma tend to ripple outwards from victims to touch all those that surround them, whether it be parents, children, spouses, friends or the whole community," Krengnektak, manager of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in Tuktoyaktuk said.

As manager of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in Tuktoyaktuk, Sarah Krengnektak, seen here with motivational speaker Don Burnstick, brings support and healing to those in Tuktoyaktuk affected by their residential school experiences. - photo courtesy of Sarah Krengnektak

"The unresolved trauma from residential school abuse continues to impact individuals, families, communities and nations and will do so until it can be expressed, validated and released in a healthy creative way."

Since being hired in 2004 by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation to manage the foundation in Tuk, Krengnektak has worked tirelessly to provide an environment for those affected by residential schooling, directly and indirectly, to seek healing.

She said the foundation is an important part of the community and necessary for the overall health and progress of the people there

"(It's important) because we have a lot of survivors who have gone through the system who have had very harsh experiences, many were inadequately fed, clothed and housed," she said.

"All were deprived of the care and nurturing of their parents, grandparents, community. Language and cultural practices were prohibited in these schools. We are not dealing with only victims of residential schools, but those inter-generationally impacted."

Krengnektak said facing the trauma and tragedies of residential schooling head on can be challenging, but with dedication and hard work she finds a way to be successful in helping those who seek healing, taking pride in the work she does.

"To be of assistance to those that have been carrying this unresolved trauma - for as long as 40 years - just giving individuals the opportunity to share their experiences, be heard, and to start their own healing journey is incredible," she said. "Healing is a journey and that journey is lifelong."

The foundation offers many different avenues for people to deal with their residential school experiences. Krengnektak offers one-on-one counselling, cultural support through elders in the community and works collaboratively with other agencies to develop and deliver services that meet the needs of survivors.

"I offer to anyone with abuse issues the referral to a lawyer, general support, guidance to all who require assistance whether it be for healing, referrals to other agencies, ID requirements, birth certificates, or just to listen to those that need to share," she said. "It's a chance to let go of painful memories."

Growing up in the hamlet of 850, Krengnektak said through the foundation she is able to provide an important arena for those who experienced abuses in their lifetime.

"The sexual, physical and emotional abuse that took place in residential schools has had a traumatic effect on survivors, and their families," she said. "It's a safe place to share and participate and being accepted is the start of one's healing journey and restoring balance."